Contact:
Robert C. Bowman
(818) 354-7941

Part of the research effort at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in support of the Metal Hydride Center of Excellence (MHCoE) involves a collaboration with a subteam to develop and implement hydride destabilization methods for thermodynamic control of reactions in light metal hydrides. The focus is on destabilized Mg- and Li-based systems to produce reversible gravimetric storage capacities exceeding 6 wt% at temperatures and pressures consistent with Department of Energy target values. In cooperation with Caltech researchers, JPL is characterizing the reactant and product phases via X-ray diffraction, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SS-NMR), and Raman spectroscopy.

JPL is measuring thermodynamic and kinetic performance parameters of the more promising candidate hydrides as well as determining their robustness and durability during extended cycling in prototype hydrogen-fuel storage systems. Similar studies are also directed to improve scientific understanding of the roles that catalysts, dopants, and processing have on the kinetics of phase transformations and the reversibility and degradation of alanates, borohydrides, and other novel light-element hydrides.

In addition, JPL is directly supporting the Sandia team with the optimization of hydride storage vessel design to minimize system mass. We are focusing on determining any tendencies for intrinsic degradation or formation of contaminant species (i.e., methane, ammonia, etc.) within the hydride itself or from interactions with its structural and thermal management components. During the second phase of the program, detailed characterization of performance and possible degradation of the most promising light-element hydrides will be evaluated from extended cycling of prototype storage beds.